Traffic incidents are among the biggest causes of fatalities in the US. On average, 117 deaths occur every day in the US due to traffic accidents. The NHTSA reveals that in the first half of 2023 alone, there were approximately 19,515 fatal crashes.

In this article, we’ll look at the latest statistics on how many car deaths in the US each year. Besides, we’ll discuss the main causes of fatalities, and compare the main trends in 2023 vs. 2022 by states. So let’s get started!

How Many Car Deaths in the US Each Year (Top Picks)

  • Over the past 12 years, there has been an average of 36,690 car accidents per year in the US resulting in fatalities.
  • The number of fatalities increased by almost 32% over these 12 years.
  • In the first half of 2023, there were approximately 19,515 fatal crashes.
  • The largest increase in the fatality rate of car accidents in the US was in 2021 (+10.1% compared to 2020).
  • The most car accidents resulting in fatalities occurred in Texas, totaling of 4,481 death toll in 2022 and 4,497 deaths recorded in 2021.

Car-Related Deaths Per Year

In the first quarter of 2023, there were about 286 million vehicles on the roads of the US. On average, car accidents injure about 2.5 million people every year, and 0.7% of all crashes are fatal. But to see a complete situation, let’s look at the main trends for each year.

 

How Many People Die From Car Accidents Each Year

how many car deaths in the us each year rates

On average, over the past 12 years, about 36.690 people have died in road accidents every year. During this time, the number of fatalities increased by almost 32%. 2021 was a record year, with a total of almost 43k deaths. But there was a slight decrease of 0.3% in 2022 compared to 2021.

Here’s a quick look at how many car deaths in the US each year with the annual changes.

Year
Fatalities
Annual Change

2011

32,479

-

2012

33,782

↑ 4.0%

2013

32,893

↓ 2.6%

2014

32,744

↓ 0.5%

2015

35,484

↑ 8.4%

2016

37,806

↑ 6.5%

2017

37,473

↓ 0.9%

2018

36,835

↓ 1.7%

2019

36,355

↓ 1.3%

2020

39,007

↑ 7.3%

2021

42,939

↑ 10.1%

2022*

42,795

↓ 0.3%

2023 (Jan-Jun)*

19,515

↓ 3.3%**

*2022, 2023 statistical projections based on FHWA June 2023 Traffic Volume Trends for 2022 and 2023 VMT.

**compared to the first half of 2022

Source: NHTSA

 

Car Accident Death Rate Per Year

The fatality rate of car accidents per mile driven has been increasing over the years. In 2013, the rate was 1.10, while it peaked at 1.37 in 2021.

The spike in deaths in 2020 and 2021 appears to be due to changes in driving patterns during the pandemic. For example, less congested roads, which lead to higher speeds. But in 2022, the rate decreased to 1.35 and further to 1.24 in the first half of 2023.

Here is a fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT):

Year
Jan–Jun Rate
Full Year Rate

2013

1.05

1.10

2014

1.01

1.08

2015

1.06

1.15

2016

1.14

1.19

2017

1.13

1.17

2018

1.11

1.14

2019

1.07

1.11

2020

1.25

1.34

2021

1.33

1.37

2022*

1.31

1.35

2023*

1.24

-

*2022, 2023 statistical projections based on FHWA June 2023 Traffic Volume Trends for 2022 and 2023 VMT.

Source: NHTSA

 

Сar Сrash Statistics Leading to Death with Vehicles Involved

how many car deaths in the us each year

Truck occupants account for the highest percentage of fatalities (32.15%). Next are passengers of cars (31.51%). In turn, the lowest number of highway deaths occurs among bus passengers.

Here is a full breakdown of how common are car accidents with fatalities by vehicle type in the US:

Vehicle type
Number of fatalities
Percent of group

Passenger car occupants

13,529

31.51%

Motorcyclists

5,932

13.81%

Truck occupants

13,804

32.15%

Bus occupants

14

0.03%

Pedestrians

7,388

17.21%

Pedal cyclists

966

2.25%

Other incidents*

1,306

3.04%

* Includes passengers in other types of vehicles, other non-motorized persons, and unknowns.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

 

What Age Group Dies the Most in Car Accidents?

According to 2021 data, about 1,500 children under the age of 14 died in road accidents. Seniors over the age of 75 are also often victims of incidents (9%).

But, the 25-44 age group has the highest number of deaths, accounting for 34% of the total fatalities. In fact, the 45-64 age group also has a high fatality rate, making up 28% of the total deaths.

Here is a more detailed look at the most recent data on car accident fatalities in the US by age group.

Age Group
Total Deaths
Percent

0-4

480

1%

5-14

979

2%

15-24

7,425

16%

25-44

16,040

34%

45-64

12,950

28%

65-74

4,783

10%

75+

4,323

9%

What are the Gender Statistics for Car Accidents with Fatalities?

how many car deaths in the us each year by gender

Here are key facts about gender differences in car accident fatalities:

  • Historically, male crash deaths were more than twice female deaths. But this gap has narrowed over time. From 1975 to 2021, male road traffic deaths decreased by about 6%, while female deaths increased by almost 2%.
  • In 2021, men made up 72% of all vehicle crash deaths. This includes categories: 72% of passenger vehicle driver deaths, 97% of large truck driver deaths, and 92% of motorcyclist deaths.
  • In 2021, male passenger vehicle occupants had higher death rates in every age group compared to females. The highest fatality rates were among males aged 85+, followed by those aged 20-24 years​.

In general, men die in car accidents more often than women, due to their more risky driving habits.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

 

Fatal Car Accident Statistics by Type of Collision

These are the types of collisions that cause the most deaths:

  • with another vehicle (43%)
  • with an immovable object (26.8%)
  • with a pedestrian (19.4%)
  • without a collision (7.4%)
  • with a pedal cycle (3%)
  • with a train (0.2%)
  • with an animal (0.2%)

how many car deaths in the us each year by vehicle type

It is worth noting that each type of collision has its own statistics on the age of victims. Here are the main facts:

  • The 75+ age group has the highest mortality rate (11.9 deaths per 100,000 population) in motor vehicle collisions.
  • In collisions with fixed objects, the 15-24 age group experiences the highest death rate at 6.3 deaths per 100,000 population.
  • Pedestrian collisions see the highest mortality rate (3.6 deaths per 100,000 population) in the 45-64 age group.

In a crash with another vehicle, 44.8% of fatalities occur in an angle collision, 29.4% in a head-on, 17.9% in a rear-end, and 8% in a sideswipe.

Source: National Safety Council

 

Сar Accident Statistics by Age of the Driver

In 2021, fatal crashes involved more than 66,600 drivers. Age groups 25-34 (22.5%) and 20-24 (11.4%) had a high percentage of involvement here. They also have the highest rates per 100,000 licensed drivers.

The lower death rate among older drivers suggests that more driving experience leads to a reduced risk of fatal accidents.

Here’s the age of drivers in fatal crashes with a rate per 100,000 licensed drivers in each age group:

Age group
Percent of all drivers in fatal crashes
Rate per 100,000 licensed drivers

16-19

6.3%

52

20-24

11.4%

44

25-34

22.5%

37

35-44

17.4%

29

45-54

14.9%

26

55-64

13.7%

23

65-74

8.1%

17

75+

5.6%

20

Source: National Safety Council

 

What Day of the Week Are Fatal Crashes More Likely to Happen?

how many car deaths in the us each year and day

Most fatal accidents occur between Friday and Sunday. On Saturday, more than 17% of all road deaths occur. Friday comes in second with 16.1%. The lowest mortality rate is on Tuesday and Wednesday (12.3% of all fatal accidents).

As for the time of day, the highest number of deaths on the roads was from 4 to 11.59 pm (more than 44% of all deaths).

In 2021, the day with the highest number of road deaths was August 7 with 201 fatal crushes. However, the month with the highest rate was October 2021 with more than 4,100 traffic fatalities.

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How Many Traffic Deaths in the US in 2023?

In the first half of 2023, there were approximately 19,515 fatal crashes. This represents a 3.3% decrease compared to the first half of 2022. Let’s take a closer look at each state’s statistics.

 

Where Do Most Fatal Car Accidents Occur in 2023?

Texas (2,089 deaths) and California (2,061 deaths) are the states with the highest number of traffic fatalities in the first half of 2023. In turn, Alaska (24 deaths) and the District of Columbia (25 deaths) had the fewest road fatal accidents.

how many car deaths in the us each year by states

Most states show a decrease in fatalities in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022. The largest one occurred in Maine (-46.6%) and Alaska (-26.3%). But there are some states that show an overall rise of road fatalities. For example, Rhode Island (+193% compared to the first half of 2022) and the District of Columbia (+64.9%).

how many car deaths in the us each year by regions

Here is a more detailed look at the list of car accidents by state with estimated fatalities in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022:

State
2022
2023
Percent Change

Alabama

479

460

↓ 4.1%

Alaska

33

24

↓ 26.3%

Arizona

627

655

↑ 4.5%

Arkansas

281

290

↑ 3.2%

California

2,341

2,061

↓ 12.0%

Colorado

342

325

↓ 4.8%

Connecticut

181

161

↓ 11.0%

Delaware

75

77

↑ 2.4%

District of Columbia

15

25

↑ 64.9%

Florida

1,840

1,772

↓ 3.7%

Georgia

881

764

↓ 13.3%

Hawaii

62

47

↓ 24.0%

Idaho

79

103

↑ 29.7%

Illinois

598

599

↑ 0.2%

Indiana

447

422

↓ 5.5%

Iowa

150

171

↑ 14.1%

Kansas

195

194

↓ 0.6%

Kentucky

334

364

↑ 9.1%

Louisiana

428

375

↓12.3%

Maine

84

45

↓ 46.6%

Maryland

272

293

↑ 7.6%

Massachusetts

196

161

↓ 18.0%

Michigan

528

492

↓ 6.7%

Minnesota

184

163

↓ 11.7%

Mississippi

344

342

↓ 0.6%

Missouri

463

424

↓ 8.3%

Montana

69

81

↑ 16.8%

Nebraska

120

94

↓ 21.6%

Nevada

205

179

↓ 12.4%

New Hampshire

64

55

↓ 14.2%

New Jersey

326

277

↓ 14.9%

New Mexico

211

191

↓ 9.5%

New York

510

499

↓ 2.2%

North Carolina

763

790

↑ 3.5%

North Dakota

39

43

↑ 9.7%

Ohio

568

602

↑ 6.0%

Oklahoma

326

272

↓ 16.4%

Oregon

253

276

↑ 9.4%

Pennsylvania

534

558

↑ 4.5%

Rhode Island

14

41

↑ 193%

South Carolina

516

521

↑ 1.0%

South Dakota

48

51

↑ 6.1%

Tennessee

607

661

↑ 8.9%

Texas

2,104

2,089

↓ 0.7%

Utah

151

127

↓ 16.2%

Vermont

39

36

↓ 8.7%

Virginia

467

441

↓ 5.5%

Washington

349

368

↑ 5.3%

West Virginia

122

125

↑ 2.6%

Wisconsin

274

261

↓ 4.8%

Wyoming

50

65

↑ 29.0%

U.S. Total*

20,190

19,515

↓ 3.3%

*Puerto Rico is not included (Traffic Volume Trends for Puerto Rico is not available.)

Source: NHTSA

 

What State has the Most Car Accidents that Cause Deaths?

Memphis, TN is the city with the most car accidents fatality rate (34.3 per 100,000 population). Mississippi, South Carolina, and Arizona are the leaders with the highest fatality rate per 100 m VMT. The safest states by this indicator are Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maine.

Here are the top 10 states with the biggest estimates of the fatality rate per 100 m VMT in the first half of 2023 compared to the 10 the safest:

Rank
State
2023 Fatality Rate
Difference to US Average

#1

Mississippi

1.73

+39.52%

#2

South Carolina

1.73

+39.52%

#3

Arizona

1.71

+37.9%

#4

Tennessee

1.58

+27.42%

#5

West Virginia

1.58

+27.42%

#6

Oregon

1.55

+25%

#7

Arkansas

1.54

+24.19%

#8

Florida

1.52

+22.58%

#9

Kentucky

1.49

+20.16%

#10

Delaware

1.48

+19.35%

-

Global US

1.24

-

#41

Hawaii

0.92

-25.81%

#42

New York

0.92

-25.81%

#43

Alaska

0.88

-29.03%

#44

New Hampshire

0.84

-32.26%

#45

Wisconsin

0.83

-33.06%

#46

Utah

0.76

-38.71%

#47

New Jersey

0.73

-41.13%

#48

Maine

0.64

-48.39%

#49

Minnesota

0.58

-53.23%

#50

Massachusetts

0.53

-57.26%

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What are Most Car Deaths Caused By?

The most common problems leading to death on the road are:

  • Driving under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Incorrect lane usage
  • Driving erratically, recklessly or negligently
  • Failure to follow the requirements of road signs, devices, or traffic police officers
  • Driving on the wrong side of a two-way road
  • Improper overtaking
  • Aggressive driving/aggression on the road
  • Irregular merging
  • Improper turning
  • Stopping on the roadway

Drunk driving and speeding account for the largest share. So let’s take a closer look at each of these categories.

 

Drunk Driving Deaths Per Year in the USA

how many car deaths in the us each year with drunk driving

In 2021, about 36% of deaths in road traffic incidents resulted from drunk driving. 21% were due to a significant BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.15+. Over the past 12 years, this figure is roughly the same – 35% of all deaths on average.

Here’s a breakdown of how many car crashes a year by BAC level.

Year
BAC = 0.00 g/dL
BAC = 0.01 to 0.07 g/dL
BAC = 0.08+ g/dL
% of drunk-impaired deaths

2011

20,848

1,662

9,865

35.60%

2012

21,563

1,782

10,336

35.98%

2013

20,865

1,834

10,084

36.35%

2014

20,913

1,800

9,943

35.96%

2015

23,165

1,930

10,280

34.52%

2016

24,762

1,984

10,967

34.34%

2017

24,589

1,895

10,880

34.19%

2018

24,186

1,850

10,710

34.18%

2019

24,251

1,834

10,196

33.16%

2020

25,128

2,075

11,718

35.44%

2021

27,221

2,266

13,384

36.66%

Drivers aged 21-24 had the highest percentage (27.19%) of alcohol impairment in fatal crashes. In turn, the 75+ age group has the lowest involvement in deaths due to drunk driving (less than 8%).

Here’s a look at drivers involved in fatal crashes by age and alcohol involvement in 2021:

Age
Alcohol-Impaired (BAC=0.08+)
Not Alcohol-Impaired

15 to 20

884

4,204

21 to 24

1,499

4,014

25 to 34

3,531

9,669

35 to 44

2,417

7,874

45 to 54

1,735

7,029

55 to 64

1,284

6,801

65 to 74

589

4,179

75+

253

3,010

Texas, Montana, and Rhode Island are the states with the highest number of drunk driving fatalities. In Texas, 48.42% of all car deaths are due to alcohol-related driving. This is almost 12% higher than the US average.

Here are the top 10 states with the biggest percentage of alcohol-impaired traffic deaths in 2021:

Rank
State
Alcohol-Impaired Traffic Deaths
Difference to US Average

#1

Texas

48.42%

+11.77%

#2

Montana

47.28%

+10.62%

#3

Rhode Island

46.03%

+9.38%

#4

Connecticut

45.64%

+8.98%

#5

Ohio

45.05%

+8.40%

#6

Washington

44.93%

+8.27%

#7

New Hampshire

44.92%

+8.26%

#8

Oregon

44.07%

+7.42%

#9

Iowa

42.13%

+5.48%

#10

South Dakota

41.89%

+5.24%

-

Global US

36.66%

-

Let’s also consider the factors that influence the number of drunk driving deaths:

  • 68% of drunk driving deaths occurred in the dark.
  • 29% occurred on principal arterial roads (non-interstate).
  • The weather has a minor impact on drunk driving fatalities. Only 6% occurred in rainy weather. 73% of deaths occurred in clear or cloudy weather.
  • 62% deaths occurred in urban areas.
  • Most deaths occurred in July and October (10% each). The lowest number was in February (only 6%).

In general, statistics show that the percentage of deaths among drunk drivers is decreasing. For example, in 1982, this figure was 55%, but now it has decreased by 19%.

Source: NSC analysis of NHTSA FARS data

 

Chances of Dying in a Car Crash Due to Speeding

About 29% of all traffic deaths each year are due to speeding. After a decline since 2010, this percentage began to rise again in 2020.

Here’s how often do car crashes happen due to speeding by year:

Year
Speeding-related deaths
Percent of total traffic deaths

2011

10,001

31%

2012

10,329

31%

2013

9,696

29%

2014

9,283

28%

2015

9,723

27%

2016

10,291

27%

2017

9,947

27%

2018

9,579

26%

2019

9,592

26%

2020

11,428

29%

2021

12,330

29%

Drivers aged 25-34 represented the largest group in speeding-related deaths (26%). Also, in 73% of speeding cases, the drivers were male.

how many car deaths in the us each year by age and gender

Here is data by age of the driver involved in the cases of road deaths due to speeding:

Age
Deaths
Share in total

15 to 20

1,577

13%

21 to 24

1,524

12%

25 to 34

3,158

26%

35 to 44

1,941

16%

45 to 54

1,292

10%

55 to 64

877

7%

65 to 74

418

3%

75+

242

2%

Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and Wyoming are the states with the highest number of speeding traffic fatalities. In Hawaii, 47.87% of all car deaths are due to speeding. This is almost 19% higher than the US average.

Here are the top 10 states with the biggest percentage of speeding traffic deaths:

Rank
State
Speeding Traffic Deaths
Difference to US Average

#1

Hawaii

47.87%

+18.87%

#2

District of Columbia

46.34%

+17.34%

#3

Wyoming

40.91%

+11.91%

#4

Pennsylvania

40.65%

+11.65%

#5

South Carolina

40.57%

+11.57%

#6

Vermont

40.54%

+11.54%

#7

Alaska

40.30%

+11.30%

#8

Connecticut

39.93%

+10.93%

#9

Missouri

39.76%

+10.76%

#10

New Mexico

38.67%

+9.67%

-

Global US

29%

-

It is also worth noting that one of the most influential factors in speeding deaths is the road condition. Thus, 43% of fatalities occur on mud, dirt, or gravel roads.

Source: National Safety Council

Summary

That wraps up our look at how many car deaths are in the US each year. Nowadays, the US faces an increase in the number of road deaths. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, these figures have already increased by 17.1%. Although the NHTSA predicts a slight decrease in 2023, the fatality rate remains one of the highest in history.

If you or your loved ones have suffered from a traffic injury, consider consulting a car accident lawyer. They will help you get compensation and deal with local law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have any car injury question?

Contact Us

What year had the most car crash deaths?

2021 saw a record number of approximately 42,939 fatalities in the United States, marking a 10,1 increase from 2020.

How many people die from car accidents each day?

On average, approximately 117 people die each day in car accidents in the United States.

How often does a car crash occur in minutes?

A fatal car crash occurs approximately every 12 minutes in the United States.

What percentage of drivers crash every year?

On average, 2% of all licensed drivers in the US get into an accident every year.

What percentage of car accidents are fatal?

About 0.7% of all traffic incidents are fatal in the United States.

William Green lawyer
William Green
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